There’s something special about a place that remembers its history. Toronto, Ohio, a small city located along the Ohio River, carries a quiet pride rooted in steel mills, family traditions, and Friday night football. However, if you ask the locals, they won’t only speak about factories or front porches; they will emphasize the schools. Education has always been at the heart of life in Toronto, and they know it well.
The story of Toronto City School District dates back to 1884. At that time, the district consisted of two small schools, Fosterville and Markle Elementary, with only one principal and five teachers. Growth came quickly; by 1886, Central School opened its doors, and by 1889, the Ohio Department of Education formally recognized the district. That same year, a new high school class graduated, and the Roosevelt Building emerged as the district’s next significant step forward.
Over the decades, Toronto’s school buildings kept pace with the expanding community. Franklin Elementary was established next, followed by Toronto High School, which opened in 1895 and quickly became a landmark. As the city’s student population grew, new facilities were added, including Kunzler Memorial Gymnasium in 1939, Lincoln School in 1930, and S.C. Dennis Elementary in 1955, the first to offer kindergarten.
By the 1960s, the district recognized the need to rethink grade distribution. In 1980, the community came together to approve a new middle school. Named J.T. Karaffa, the school opened in 1985, becoming a cornerstone for students in grades six through eight. Preschool was added in 1990, reinforcing the district’s commitment to early education. At one point, Toronto’s schools were spread across several buildings: Lincoln for PreK-2, S.C. Dennis for grades 3-5, Karaffa for grades 6-8, and Toronto High for grades 9-12.
Change came again in 2010 when voters approved a bond to build a new junior-senior high school. Lincoln and S.C. Dennis were demolished, and by 2013, students were learning in a brand-new facility designed for the future. A few years later, in 2019, Toronto Elementary School opened its doors, completing a modern campus for the youngest learners in the city.
Today, every Toronto student learns on the same campus: Karaffa Elementary for PreK, Toronto Elementary for grades K-5, and Toronto Jr.-Sr. High for grades 6 through 12. This campus is not just a structure built of brick and mortar; it represents a foundation of memories and progress. However, the heart of Toronto City Schools is not found in the buildings or blueprints. It lies in the mission to ignite a passion for learning, the belief that every student deserves a safe and supportive environment to grow, and the vision that Toronto schools will continue to be the heartbeat of this tight-knit community. They prepare students not only for tests but for the real-world challenges that await them just beyond the river.
Programs That Prepare, Support, and Inspire
The school district provides a wide range of educational services aimed at fostering student success. A robust core curriculum ensures that students build a solid foundation in Reading, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This is enhanced by interactive programs such as iReady Reading, iReady Math, IXL, and Discovery Education.
Students also benefit from related arts courses in STEM, physical education, fine arts, instrumental music, vocal music, foreign languages, and media, offering a well-rounded educational experience. For gifted students in grades 2-12, the district provides a rigorous curriculum and educational opportunities through enrichment within the regular classroom, pull-out classes, and options for course and grade-level acceleration.
The district offers a full continuum of special education services, allowing students with disabilities to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the fullest extent appropriate. Various placements and services are available to meet individual needs, including general education classrooms, resource rooms, specialized programs outside the school district, and homebound instruction. Students with disabilities also have access to related services such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy, supporting their academic and functional development.
High school students can earn an associate degree by participating in College Credit Plus courses in subjects including Spanish, French, English Composition, British Literature, Art, Geology, Anatomy, and advanced mathematics. Additionally, career and technical education opportunities equip students with valuable skills and real-world experience in high-demand fields. The Media Arts Career Tech Pathway offers specialized training in video production and digital imaging, preparing students for careers in multimedia, film, and graphic design.
Moreover, students are provided the opportunity for hands-on vocational training with a partnership with Belmont College. Students can be enrolled in HVAC and Welding to prepare them for careers in the skilled trades. This training emphasizes industry certifications, safety protocols, and practical applications, ensuring students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Laying the Groundwork at Karaffa Elementary
The school district’s Karaffa Elementary School uses the Frog Street Pre-K curriculum to support diverse learners. This program enhances early childhood education and prepares students for their future academic endeavors.
Frog Street incorporates differentiated instruction, social-emotional learning, and a variety of English Language Arts (ELA) texts that represent different student cultures. The program includes visual aids, hands-on activities, and digital tools and resources designed to support students of all abilities. Additionally, the curriculum celebrates various cultures and holidays throughout the academic year.
Building Strong Readers at Toronto Elementary School
At Toronto Elementary School, literacy is considered a gateway to lifelong learning. The school employs a layered approach to reading instruction, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to grow, regardless of their starting point. The Savvas MyView Literacy program serves as the foundation of the school’s reading curriculum. This program offers interactive and engaging texts, structured reading routines, and scaffolded instruction to help students develop essential literacy skills.
MyView includes a variety of reading activities such as whole-group, small-group, and independent reading sessions. It exposes students to different genres, structures, and perspectives through both fiction and nonfiction texts.
Heggerty Phonics explicitly teaches phonemic awareness, which is crucial for students’ ability to decode words, read fluently, and comprehend texts. This program is designed for whole-group instruction.
The Wilson Fundations program enhances students’ reading and comprehension skills by providing a structured, multisensory approach to phonics and foundational literacy instruction. It helps students understand word meanings and structures, including prefixes, suffixes, and base words. Wilson offers differentiated instruction, ensuring that struggling readers receive additional practice while advancing those who are already proficient.
A Head Start on Higher Education
At Toronto Jr.-Sr. High School, students can experience college-level learning before they even graduate. Through the College Credit Plus program, they have access to more than 30 semester hours of college credit right within their own school.
The courses are taught by adjunct professors, many of whom are familiar to the students, which fosters a supportive environment to handle the challenges of college-level reading and writing. This program serves as an effective bridge between high school and higher education, giving students a glimpse of what’s ahead while still providing the guidance they need.
In addition to academics, the program helps students develop essential life skills. They learn to manage their time, meet deadlines, and advocate for themselves—skills that are just as important in a college classroom as they are in the workplace. By the time they graduate from Toronto, students are not only prepared for the next step; they also have the confidence to take it.
A Diverse and Steady Student Community
The city of Toronto, Ohio, has experienced a modest decline in population in recent years. However, the Toronto City School District has achieved something noteworthy—steady student enrollment. Despite a 3.38% decrease in population since the 2020 census and an annual decline of 0.7%, the district continues to attract families. In fact, more than 100 students from neighboring districts now attend Toronto schools through open enrollment, which showcases the district’s strong reputation.
Today, the student body represents a diverse and evolving community. The demographic breakdown is as follows: 88.3% White, 6.9% Multiracial, 1.7% Black, 1.5% Hispanic, and 1.3% Asian. Nearly 20% of the students have identified disabilities, and over 60% are classified as economically disadvantaged. These figures not only illustrate the challenges faced by a small-town district but also reflect its dedication to inclusion, resilience, and providing opportunities for every student who enters its schools.
Teaching with Intention, Supporting with Purpose
In a district where every learner is unique, Toronto City Schools takes a hands-on and thoughtful approach to instruction. The staff doesn’t merely teach content; they focus on understanding their students. They closely observe how each child learns, where they struggle, and what their strengths are.
Through a Multi-Tier System of Supports, teachers regularly assess students and use that data to inform their instruction. Some students need a different pace, while others benefit from additional practice or alternative methods of engaging with the material. Regardless of the situation, teachers design lessons that meet students at their current level and help them progress.
Leadership That Keeps Learning on Track
The Toronto City School District operates with a strong focus on people who are deeply committed to their work, not just planning and policy. Each school is led by a principal who serves as a key figure in guiding instruction, shaping the school culture, and fostering collaboration. They ensure that classrooms are equipped with the necessary resources and remain actively involved in daily teaching and learning.
Principals also create an environment where educators can learn from one another. Collaboration is not left to chance; it is integral to the daily rhythm of the school. Teachers share ideas, reflect on their practices, and grow together as a team.
For those new to the profession, the district provides a robust support system. Experienced mentors and a dedicated instructional coach accompany new teachers, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Together, these leaders form the foundation of a system that keeps classrooms focused, energized, and progressing.
Community Partnerships Enriching Student Experience
The school district has long-standing community partnerships to support the needs of its students. The Toronto Kiwanis Club provides school clothes, coats, shoes, and school supplies for students in need. The Club also provides scholarships to graduating seniors and sponsors the school’s annual Close-Up program.
The Toronto Lions Club sponsors the G.O.O.D. Award each year to recognize elementary students for helpfulness, kindness, and good citizenship. Crossroads North River Church and the First Presbyterian Church offer after-school programs for our elementary students. The Helping Hands Food Pantry provides blessing bags for every student in the district with snacks for the winter break.
For the past two years, the district has partnered with Crossroads North River Avenue Church for Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, an event that provides a prom-like experience for individuals with disabilities. Finally, the Toronto High School Alumni Association provides scholarships to graduating seniors. Since the association was founded in 1989, they have awarded 633 scholarships totaling $458,900.
Beyond the Classroom Walls
In Toronto’s classrooms, students excel academically. However, outside of these walls, students also have numerous opportunities to discover their identities and explore their potential.
Toronto Jr.-Sr. High School offers a variety of sports programs, including football, volleyball, golf, Cross Country, wrestling, basketball, track, softball, and baseball. Notably, turf was just installed on the softball field and multipurpose field, enhancing the athletic facilities. In addition to athletics, students can engage in enrichment activities such as the Academic Challenge Team, Close-Up, National Honor Society, BETA Club, Key Club, Pep Club, K-night Network, Book Buddies, Marching Band, Choir, and the Musical.
Toronto Elementary School provides a wide range of extracurricular activities for students of all ages, such as the Garden Club, T-Town Helpers, Knight-Voices, Yearbook, and Band. The school also offers various enrichment opportunities, including the Spelling Bee, Kindergarten Career Week, and PETS lessons for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Other activities include the fifth-grade Science Fair, the fourth-grade Wax Museum, and tutoring for the Ohio State Test for grades three to five. The library hosts Scampers, and students can participate in related arts classes in STEM, Art, Gym, Library, and Music. Seasonal programs like the Summer STEM Camp and the Summer Special Education Camp ensure continued learning and engagement beyond the academic year.
To support students’ well-being, academic success, and personal development, the district provides robust student services. The School-Based Health Center (SBHC) is staffed with a full-time Nurse Practitioner and two full-time social workers who offer medical care and mental health services. Each school also has a school nurse who provides direct care, manages chronic health conditions, and collaborates with the SBHC. The school social worker provides emotional and mental health support, assisting students in navigating personal challenges. The Dean of Students oversees behavior to maintain a positive and productive environment. Programs like Check-In/Check-Out and Social Academic Instructional Groups (SAIG) offer structured interventions to promote students’ social and emotional growth.
Additionally, the Dean of Student Academics focuses on academic planning, career readiness, and personal development, helping students with course selection, college applications, and social-emotional issues. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) ensures that all students have access to nutritious meals, eliminating barriers to learning and fostering overall student success.
At the Helm of a Shared Mission
Leading a district takes more than strategy—it takes heart. And that’s exactly what Maureen Taggart brings to her role as Superintendent of Toronto City Schools. Her leadership centers around a simple but powerful belief: schools are the heart of the community. Under her guidance, the district has remained focused on what matters most—empowering students and preparing them for the real world. Whether it’s building safe and supportive classrooms or expanding opportunities beyond the school day, her vision is steady and student-centered.
Maureen doesn’t just set direction from a distance. She encourages connection—between staff, families, and the broader community. Her work is about shared ownership, about inviting everyone to play a role in shaping what’s next. There’s no grandstanding here. Just a quiet, constant drive to make sure every student has what they need to learn, grow, and succeed. In Toronto, that kind of leadership isn’t the exception—it’s the example.
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